New Presbyterian network seeks Korean reconciliation

The Presbyterian Peace Delegation visited the Cheorwon Peace Observatory in Cheorwon-gun, South Korea, during their visits in November. From the observatory, visitors can view the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) separating North and South Korea. Photo by Earl Arnold

Concerned Presbyterians have started a new network to contribute to current efforts to reconcile all sides of the Korean conflict through peaceful efforts. The Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea, related to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), was launched in October 2017 by a group of Presbyterians with a passion for seeking peaceful reconciliation in the Korean peninsula.

They were brought together by concerns over the threat of the Korean War resuming, this time with nuclear weapons. Korea was divided into north and south in 1945, at the end of World War II, resulting in families being separated and unable to see each other for decades. The Korean War began in 1950 and never officially ended. It remains an open conflict today. The founders of the Peace Network believe that other American Presbyterians share these concerns.

The initial gathering of Presbyterians met in upstate New York at the Stony Point Conference Center early in October 2017 to explore what they and their congregations might do together to promote peace in Korea. They laid the groundwork for a new network of Presbyterians working together, along with other groups with similar aims, to improve the chances for reconciliation of the parties in the Korean War and establishing a just peace in the Korean peninsula.

Four members of that initial group were part of the Presbyterian Peace Trip to Korea that visited PC(USA) partners there October 31 through November 8, 2017. Their visit to a Peace Observatory and the Border Peace School in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) dividing North Korea from South Korea opened their eyes to the reality of the separation and armed standoff that still exists. They returned more determined than ever to work with friends and colleagues to bring a peaceful settlement to the long-continuing Korean conflict.

News Release from the Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea

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